Briar, Many thanks for the reply, we stayed at the Raddison last November but we were A/I. The week we were there it was very very windy and we hardly spent any time at the beach because of the "sand storms". I am hoping that is not the norm for November, we have no choice on the date of our visit ( 30th Wedding Anniversary)) We have just spent 2 weeks at Coral Beach in Nuweiba again A/I and had a lovely time, but thought the food was not of a high quality. We found the "Red Sea" by "accident" last November, we were due to go to Barbados and 2 days before we were due to leave the plane was changed, so our seats were not available, so it was a case of "where can we go on Monday" and Taba was available. This will be our 3rd visit in the year as we have really fallen in love with the country. Regards Tricia

Fond memories of Coral Hilton, we were there for 2 weeks returned home 4 weeks ago. The best thing about the place was the staff, I know it sounds corny but it's true. From the bell boy, to the beach boy and everyone in between. The bedrooms are average, the hotel is about 10 years old and I think the place needs a general updating. I found it strange that there is a reception area with a small bar, but not really many places where you could chat with fellow guests. The buffet restaurant was average, possibly 2/3 star food, the italian pizza place again was ok, t he A La Carte restaurant served the best food, you were given an allowance against the menu price, we ate there a few times but there was no "atmosphere" in there because it was usually empty. You could walk straight into the sea, the first 25 yards or so were stoney and then it was sand and the water was pretty shallow for a good way out. There is a pretty pier illuminated at night so you could watch the lion fish enjoying their evening meal. The town of Nuweiba was only a short taxi ride away, that was an experience the taxi driver walked around with us whilst we "haggled" for the fun of it around the shops. It was amazing how most of the shop keepers spoke good english and enjoyed chatting about football. The taxi driver spoke a little English mostly expressions like "lovely jubbly" "see you later alligator" etc. which was funny to hear
I would never return in July as it too hot. The hot winds at night blowing across from Saudi are really weird, just like opening the door on a hot fan assisted oven and sticking your head inside for a few hours, not ideal if you are asthmatic ! regards Tricia

I must say, there were bars and cafes, "but not as we know it", as the saying goes. Not really a british tourist area, but lots of things going on with the locals. In 1 small street there were 2 barbers and 2 internet cafes. One young guy who was working in his fathers shop took great delight in telling me he had 2 girlfriends from England on the internet, both called Jessica ! I don't really drink, so I was more interested in the shops. We also visited Tarabin another day, again full of shops, my husband was in his element - not. It had a bit of a hippy feel about the place good place to chill if you are that way inclined !!!!!!! Dont want to be told off on posting my first question, straying from the subject !! Tricia

we are also going to the hyatt for our 30th wedding anniversary in October, it will be our third visit there! the hotel is wonderfull and very relaxing, but the drinks our expensive - £3.50 for a beer and about £14 for a bottle of red wine and about £6 for spirits. what we do is take a box of wine with us and duty free!! we didnt always have lunch there but its about a fiver for burgers, sandwiches etc. crisps and things are quite expensive so its best to take what you need with you!
the balcony's are really big so its nice to sit out there and enjoy your duty frees!!
also if you havent got one get a hyatt gold card - you should get an upgrade and two free soft drinks a day plus some other things! but ive recently heard that some of the things have changed but you will still get an upgrade and the drinks.
hope this has helped, have a great anniversary!
Shirley.

Shirley, please don't think me flippant, but you may not have noticed that Tricias anniversary was in November 2004!!! Don't worry, this sort of thing often happens when you mix with some of the loonies on this forum (self included)

Happy 32nd anniversary Tricia.

whooops!! i'll check the dates next time!